Drones. They’ve become incredibly popular. But most people can’t afford to splurge R30 000 plus on a hobby. So, in the spirit of budget buys we’ve compiled a list of 10 drones under R2 000.

At this point we must add that we know that “drone” is a lazy term for unmanned aerial vehicle or UAV, but people are more familiar with drone than UAV. So we’ll stick with it.

Here are 10 drones available at under R2 000

1. Foda D13 Mini Quadcopter Drone

The Foda D13 is the cheapest on our list. This drone does not have an on-board camera, but it still makes for a fun practice drone. The D13 is fitted with a Lithium polymer battery and has a fly time of approximately 7 minutes. It is important to note that although the drone can be charged, the controller uses four AA batteries.

2. Revell Nano Quad

The first candidate in out 10 drones list is an ultra-tiny drone. At 45 by 45 millimetres in size a Revell’s Nano Quad is definitely a “good weather” drone. Sadly this bug-sized drone is not fitted with a camera.

3. Cheerson CX-10WD Quadcopter

It’s the world’s smallest drone with a first-person view camera. And it is the smallest drone on this list. The CX-10WD comes without a controller; instead the company opted for an app-based controller. The app is compatible with both Android and iOS.

4. Hubsan H107P X4 Plus

This Hubsan is an upgrade from the brands’ previous range of micro drones. Although not fitted with a camera, the H107P X4 is a great drone to practice your flying skills. The Hubsan also comes with a prop guard that protects its rotors – a very useful accessory for first-time flyers. A collection of spare parts are also available for the H107P X4.

5. JJRC H8-1 Mini Quadcopter Drone

This mini quadcopter is very reminiscent of the Revell Nano Quad, especially if you look at the controller. But the H8-1 Mini has one big difference: it comes with a prop guard. This drone is quite small, measuring less than 15 centimeters in length.

6. JJRC H20 HexaDrone

Here’s an interesting little drone from Asian manufacturer JJRC: a six-rotor mini drone. This drone is ideal for aerial stunts that include tumbling. Its controller is also fitted with return function that makes it to navigate back to you.

7. Revell Radio Controlled SPOT

The makers of iconic model kits also manufacture a series of radio-controlled products, including drones. The SPOT drone is said to be a favourite of amateur videographers and those that want to move up from flight-only drones. It does come with a camera which records in 480p – not bad for a budget drone. Note that the controller requires two AA batteries.

8. Revell Formula Q Drone

The Revell Formula Q is probably the most powerful drone on our list. It’s great for drone racing and stunt flying. It comes with three speed settings and headless mode. Although the Formula Q drone does not come with a camera, some smaller cameras can be attached to its body with a stabilization gimble. Note that the controller requires six AA batteries.

9. Hubsan H502E X4 Desire Drone

This model from Hubsan is fitted with a 720p camera. The drone also has auto-return functionality, a built-in GPS system, altitude adjustment and “headless flight mode”, which essentially makes it easier to fly. The built-in GPS allows the drone to head back at the push of a button – a handy feature when the connection is lost. Note that the controller requires four AAA batteries.

10. FPV Trooper drone

The Trooper is a true stunt drone. It can do 360-degree flips and has auto-return functionality. The Trooper Drone retails for just over R2 000, but can often be found under R2 000 at selected retailers or when it’s on sale. Note that the controller requires four AA batteries.

If you’re in the market for a drone from our 10 drones list, be sure to check out the January issue of Popular Mechanics. It comes with a FREE discount voucher from The Gadget Shop. The magazine goes on sale on 19 December. Terms and conditions apply.

*Note that all prices are approximations and were accurate at the time of publishing. All drones on this 10 drones list are subject to availability at the mentioned retailer’s discretion.